I'm debating about towing my boat down to FL from TN (as opposed to winterizing & storing) in a month or so. However, I'm not sure of any good freshwater riding areas near me (Palm Beach/Martin County, 2.5 hrs south of Orlando).

Does anyone know of any good lakes/rivers that allow public access/access with a permit? I was thinking maybe the north part of the St. Lucie River (40 min away). I'd could go as far north as Sebastien, but closer would be preferable

You're going to be hard pressed to find good riding spots in southern Florida. You would have an easier time in central Florida but that doesn't sound like an option for you. I would say the St, Lucie River or Okeeheelee Park would be your best option. Okeeheelee is the closest and I know they have boats there because I can see them from the Turn Pike when I go to Miami.

Yes there is a watersports complex off of I-95 or the turnpike. I've never been and don't know if it is private or not.

I grew up in Stuart just north of Palm Beach and rode there for many years. The best place for calm, mostly fresh water is in the South Fork near Palm City. There is a boat ramp at Leighton park that will drop you close, and you head south through the no wake zone for about 15 minutes. Where the slow zone ends is a big island. This is the spot. The more zoomed in map shows the island with the words "St. Lucie River" on the northeast side. The river is wide enough to drive double ups at both the north and south ends of the island.

Before you head up there I would try to check the status of the slow zones, since I haven't rode there in quite a while and its possible FWC made the entire area no wake. It looks to me like there is a boat moving at a decent pace on the satellite, so you should be fine.

Are you talking about Ski Rixen in Quiet Waters Park? If so thats a public Cable Park

I think he's thinking of Okeeheelee Park (mentioned earlier).. that used to have a full 3-event setup (haven't been by that way in years). Based on sat pictures.. it sure looks like it still has a full ski/wake setup.

I think he's thinking of Okeeheelee Park (mentioned earlier).. that used to have a full 3-event setup (haven't been by that way in years). Based on sat pictures.. it sure looks like it still has a full ski/wake setup.

"In the St. Lucie, oysters are shriveling, sea grass beds are withering and waste-related bacteria levels have soared so high that Martin County health authorities have posted signs warning people not to swim in the river. It’s a mess that makes an unrelated algae bloom in Biscayne Bay appear relatively benign."